Kota Kinabalu (Dec 18) - Sabah FC Technical and Sporting Director Scott Ollerenshaw has officially resigned from his position, with his departure taking effect on Dec 14, citing family commitments and health concerns involving his elderly parents in Australia.
Having spent 31 years living in Sabah, Ollerenshaw described the decision as both difficult and deeply emotional. He said Sabah FC has always been close to his heart since his arrival in Kota Kinabalu in 1994, where he later enjoyed a successful playing career with the state side.
From 1994 to 1998, he was a member of the Sabah squad that captured the FA Cup in 1995 and the Malaysian Premier League title in 1996, achievements he regards as some of the most memorable moments of his football journey.
Ollerenshaw returned to the club in 2021 after being appointed Technical and Sporting Director by then newly appointed chief executive officer Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. Entrusted with the task of rebuilding Sabah FC, he expressed pride in the progress achieved over the past five years.
During his tenure, Sabah FC secured third place in the Malaysia Super League for three consecutive seasons, advanced to the AFC Cup semi-finals and earned a place in the 2025 FA Cup final, reinforcing the club’s standing as one of the country’s most respected teams.
He also paid tribute to several individuals who played important roles in the club’s revival, including the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who served as Sabah FA president in 2021, for his vision and dedication to restoring pride in Sabah football.
In addition, he acknowledged the efforts of current Sabah FA president Datuk Shahelmey Yahya for steering the club through financial difficulties and ensuring players’ salaries were paid, allowing the team to remain competitive.
Ollerenshaw also recognised the contributions of coaches over the past five years, specifically highlighting Datuk Ong Kim Swee for his role in recruitment and coaching matters.
Above all, he expressed gratitude to Sabah FC’s loyal supporters, stressing that the club would not exist without them and urging fans to continue backing the team as its “12th man”.
Now based in Sydney, Ollerenshaw ended his message on a hopeful note, suggesting his exit may not be permanent.
Photo taken from Sabah FC's FB Page